The Washington Redskins finished the first quarter of the NFL season the way they will likely end the year, hovering around .500. What do we know from that?
Wins over Dallas and Philadelphia tell us the ‘Skins will play competitive ball. The loss to St. Louis (apparently better than we thought they were) tells us the ‘Skins are inconsistent. This team is likely to upset either the Packers or the Colts and lose to the Lions (apparently better than we think they are).
We are still figuring out what Mike Shanahan is making of this team. He is still building the roster.
Running back Ryan Torain signed as a free agent in April; was dropped by the team at the end of training camp; signed to the practice squad September 5; re-signed to the team roster September 25; carries seven times in the St. Louis Rams game September 26; carries 18 times against Philadelphia; will start against the Green Bay Packers Sunday.
Running back Keiland Williams made the team roster and appeared in the first two games. He was waived October 2; signed to the practice squad October 6; re-signed to the team roster October 9, replacing wide receiver Devin Thomas who was dumped after a disappointing two years in Washington.
Undrafted free agent Brandon Banks was released by the team at the end of training camp; signed to the practice squad September 28; signed to the team roster October 2; returns the opening punt 53 yards to give the Redskins excellent field position to score.
Shanahan can speak of winning now, but he’s retooling the team. Meanwhile the rest of the league can’t quite make him out. The 3-1 Packers, who hung six sacks and about 100 quarterback hits on the Eagles, are a mere 2.5 point favorites over the Redskins.
When the Vegas sharps can’t figure out the Redskins, what chance do the rest of us have? I’ll tell you what chance the Redskins have–a chance to beat the Packers. That’s what. There is no chance I can tell you which running backs will be on the active roster for that game.
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